IIRC there were some pretty ugly lawsuits over chromium copper arsenate (CCA) impregnated exterior wood a few years ago that had been used in exterior applications like decks and playground fences. Splinters and incidental contact gave a few kids serious poisoning, hence the uproar over the stuff and the changeover to the copper "quat" impregnated woods.

There are still a number of CCA decks, wood foundations, sill plates, and who-knows-what-else out there. Generally speaking they're not a problem unless you get a splinter from the wood or handle the wood as it is leeching material out. You can also seal it (of course if you're going through the time/effort/expense to seal it, it sort of defeats the rationale for exterior grade PT lumber in the first place, but that's another discussion. . .)

Generally speaking the copper quat ACQ stuff is supposed to be reasonably safe although I still wouldn't go making picnic tables or park benches out of it or whatever.

There are also some issues regarding building material recycling with CCA-impregnated lumber. . . A G.C. would probably know more about that than me though.

http://www.sptimes.com/2002/06/15/Homes/Beware_that_picnic_ta.shtml

It's irrelevant! He's using redwood as a deck surface! No-one will ever be in contact with the treated wood!

http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/atta.../deadhorse.gif

Not directly, however rain water can potentially wash the leeched out chemicals into the bottom of the pool, where they'll be pumped to who-knows-where. Redwood is a good finish material - termite resistant and pretty durable. There's also a bazillion different synthetic finishes that can lay on top if one is concerned about nail heads or screw heads eventually starting to back out/stick up, etc.

Overall I really like Wayne's concept. It's a neat idea and not something one sees every day, but as with such things there are issues that have to be addressed also that aren't the "everyday" variety.

The discussion isn't about other projects. We're specifically discussing Wayne's project at hand. Never did see him ask for advice on treated lumber.

The "builder"? Have you even read the post? :rolleyes: squared

DOH! I mean, er, um, predators.

I like the pudding idea. But can you imagine drowning in 10' of pudding?

I'm sure Wayne is aware of ACQ's ability to eat common fasteners, he seems to have done his homework. The average homeowner, however........ I predict the demise of ACQ is the day that elevated decks begin falling off of homes because the galvanized lags were eaten by the treatment chemicals. Oh well, it's more prone to twisting than CCA anyway. 60% of treated lumber at the average lumberyard is so twisted it can't be used.

Rubbed me the wrong way? ----> :rolleyes:

"Brown-nosing"?!? When you give (frequently inadequate) advice, it's considered "assisting". When I give concise & accurate advice, it's "brown-nosing"? Whatever...

Go herd some Goats or whatever you mountain-people do.

For god's sake, it is simply a wood deck covering a pool. If it feels flimsy when finished, add a few braces..... My ONLY concerns, if this were my project, would be for avoiding damage to that beautiful pool.

Sheesh...944 owners. I just never got along with 'em. SmileWavy

However...it's an 8' drop. Not like he's building a deck on the ground. One failure and the collapse will be spectacular.


D. Ocean
Chief Brown-Noser

I personally would not be scared in the least to walk on that finished structure. It could be built 1/2 as strong and I still would not worry about a sudden major failure/8' drop to my death. I guess we all have different fear and safety levels based on how, when and where we grew up.

I'm referring to an overload situation (backyard party, etc.). The 8' drop might not kill you, but the ton and a half of falling lumber might.

Tim, you need to read more closely. Wayne wants to park his F150 on it.:cool:

Interesting project Wayne, good luck with it.:)

The biggest problem I have with it are the angle of the concrete piers the 4x4 posts are sitting on. They are designed for a plumb, verticle compression load. That angle looks hairy to me.
I know here in NJ there aint a shot in hell of that passing an inspection.

you put 30 folks doing the macarena on that as a dance floor, and you better be damn certian it will hold.

I thought in NJ that entirely depended on how many $100 bills were involved. . . ;)

There is no bribery in this fine usptanding, moral state!! We have the best inspectors money can buy :D

If I were dancing the Macarena in unison with 29 other people on a deck built over a pool and it collapsed into a twisted pile of people and wood I would consider it Divine intervention. I would prefer that a close friend shoot me execution style and then keep what he saw a secret from my other friends.

friends don't let friends dance the Macarena.

You said it better than I ever could, but that was exactly my sentiments when I read that post yesterday. Wayne, could you put some "sensors" in place that would guarantee a collapse under these circumstances :)?

Kids ages 1, 2, and 3? Is there a rut season on the left coast? :D
I'm with the group of teaching kids to swim. My parents raised 3 boys with pools, lakes, rivers all around. A 'right of passage' was to swim across the Allegheny River which I did at 12 years old. My father in a row boat next to me. Talk about a confidence builder for a child.
Good luck with the project. Does look pretty cool.